Continuing our discussion about writing dream sequences…
I’ve read countless articles about using dreams in fiction. Here are a few “take-aways.”
- Try not to be too fantastical—but not too real, either.
- Whether you are using your dream sequence to solve your character’s internal conflict, or foreshadow a future event, be sure it adds to your story and MOVES IT FORWARD.
3) Use of metaphors or symbolism may help readers realize the scene is a dream.
4) A change in narrative style may also indicate a dream. (For instance, if you write in the third person, try writing a dream in the first person.)
5) If you want to be obvious about it, print the entire dream sequence in italics.
6) To transition into a dream sequence, try using a signal, such as rain falling at the beginning of a dream and ceasing at the end, or falling asleep and waking up, can be helpful.
**Twilight and Stuart Little are among the many books inspired by actual dreams.
brenda poulos 